Personal Profile
Name: Arisa Chue
College: Stanford University
Hometown: Springfield, VA
Major: Computer Science
Aspirational Car: Tesla Model S
10-Year Prediction in auto/motorsports: We will see a rising momentum of software functions that will originate from an ecosystem of partners that provide niche software capabilities in an OEM model much like how ZF provides transmissions to BMW. Software is a critical component to the car of today and the future.
What You May Not Know About Me: I serve meals at a SF Bay Area kitchen for the food-insecure community every Friday.
How did you get so interested in the auto/motorsports industry?
I’ve always been fascinated by cars. I remember my dad would drive me in his 2-seater MR2, with me in the passenger seat, putting my hand on the gear shift as he rowed through the gears from 1-5, watching the tach spin and drop when he put the clutch in. My dad used to work on that car in the driveway and I would watch him explain the different, completely analog systems, from the Yamaha-built engine in the back to the spare wheel in the front.
What automotive aspect interests you the most?
Data telemetry, sensor data, and the using AI and Machine Learning to drive the envelope of safety, performance and, perhaps even joy. The McLaren F1 has more than 300 sensors, with over 80,000 telemetry parameters, collecting 1.5 terabytes of data over a typical race weekend. We are not yet tapping the full possibilities of what such a data rich environment can mean for downstream applications: in areas such as efficiency, tuning, driver aids etc. I hope to play a part.
How do you approach the challenges of being a minority engineering student in what has been traditionally a non-minority career path?
As a female studying Computer Science, I see this imbalance every day: 54% of the college cohort identifies as female but only 20% of all CS majors are women. This is reflected in industry as well: women make up 47% of the workforce but are still statistically underrepresented in STEM education and careers. Women make up 33% of Tech but only 3% of Tech companies have women CEOs. One of the reasons there is gender inequality in STEM workplaces is perhaps because of a constrained pipeline. If we could do more to encourage girls to explore engineering careers early on, we might have better outcomes.
I have used my voice to advocate for change and raise awareness about the importance of gender diversity and inclusion. I have also joined and helped to create various groups that support and encourage women and other underrepresented groups in technology. Others have helped me along the way, I’ve always had strong mentors and role models who encouraged and inspired me. I hope to one day help and inspire other women.
What would you like your first job/career opportunity to be?
I would love to enter a data-rich environment and use data, models, and algorithms to predict and improve human outcomes.
About STEAM Sports Foundation
Recognizing workforce and economic development as integral parts of corporate growth, STEAM Sports Foundation works with companies, educators and sports groups to develop initiatives around science, technology, engineering, arts and math that impact the world of sports & entertainment.
The foundation’s focus is on scholarships and career summits in an effort to help create tomorrow’s vibrant workforce. Its minority female scholarship program in motorsports and automotive engineering provides diversity to a transportation industry that is ever-changing via innovation and technology with individuals who traditionally did not consider these career paths simply because they saw few who looked like them in the industry.
Donations can be made via PayPal. ACH transfers are available. Benevity registered.
Comments